ADO‑EKITI, Nigeria — First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said Saturday that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will “crush criminal syndicates” and secure Nigeria, pledging round‑the‑clock efforts and international collaboration to tackle kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
Speaking at Jibowu Hall in Government House during a one‑day working visit to Ekiti State, Tinubu told traditional rulers that the government is deepening both domestic and international partnerships to confront violent crime. She said the United States and other developed countries are assisting Nigeria in its fight against insecurity, adding that many of those responsible for terrorizing communities are not Nigerians. “No matter what happens, we shall overcome. Nigeria is too great to be intimidated,” she said.
Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that the president remains fully engaged in security operations, often working late into the night. “I can assure you, we don’t have Mondays or Sundays. The President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr. President will sleep at 3:00 a.m. and God has been faithful,” she added.
She also highlighted interventions under the Renewed Hope Initiative in Ekiti, including the establishment of an ICT center at Ekiti State University, N200 million in scholarships, N50,000 grants for 2,000 traders, and support programs for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities.
Nigeria has struggled with insecurity for more than a decade, with Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and mass kidnappings in central states testing successive governments. In May, more than 30 pupils and teachers were abducted in Oyo State, underscoring the persistence of the crisis. Similar challenges have plagued past administrations, with Goodluck Jonathan seeking international help against Boko Haram and Muhammadu Buhari emphasizing military offensives against bandits.
The chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu‑Alagbado, urged urgent reforms and called for fast‑tracking of state police legislation. “The bill for the creation of state police should be fast‑tracked,” he said, arguing that decentralised policing would improve rapid response in rural areas.
Reactions to Tinubu’s remarks were mixed. Supporters praised the administration’s resolve, with hashtags like Renewed Hope trending on social media. Critics questioned whether the promises would lead to real change, with one user writing, “We’ve heard this before. What’s different this time?” Faith‑based voices echoed Oluremi’s call for prayer, urging collective effort to overcome insecurity.
Policy makers and analysts also weighed in. Opposition lawmakers argued that pledges must translate into concrete reforms, while security experts welcomed international cooperation but warned that structural changes are essential. “Without decentralised policing and stronger laws against kidnapping, external support will only scratch the surface,” one analyst said.
The administration’s vow to dismantle criminal networks comes at a time when Nigerians are demanding urgent action. While the First Lady’s assurances offered hope, many believe the true test will be whether the government can deliver lasting peace and security across the federation.
